I just left an event in Burbank hosted by Key Code Media and Avid where they showcased the new Avid Media Composer 4.0 software.
It's amazing! With a ton of new features but for now, here's my list:
TOP TEN REASONS AVID BEATS FINAL CUT PRO...
1. Avid's AMA allows for Real-Time linking of XDCam and P2 workflows. No transcoding needed so you save time and MONEY on the digitizing/assistant editor side. If you save one week of work time ($1500) you'll save enough money to rationalize the difference in purchase price between a Media Composer 4.0 software ($2495.00) and FCP studio ($999.00). Imagine saving multiple WEEKS on a large project because your workflow is cleaner and faster. And if you're a student Avid only runs you $295!
2. The new Avid system allows for multiple frame rates in a single timeline, in Real-Time. Not only that, you can fix and adjust cadence which is a huge deal. Why? Normally you'd have to rent or purchase a $10,000 frame rate converter or go to a dub house, run it through a software solution, or take your reel to a facility. Now you can do it from home and it looks amazing.
3. Script Sync! This tool allows for scripted editors or reality/documentary teams to work from transcripts or scripts and edit using voice recognition. It makes assistant editor life easier, which equals faster, and then accelerates the edit. This tool allows for a searchable script and saves time during editing by finding materials using text searches. Also helps on dialogue editing because every line is at your fingertips.
4. EDLs for multiple frame rate timelines. Avid has had EDLs down for years but now you can export the timeline with frame rate adjustments.
5. 3D - Avid allows for multiple options for 3D editors. Side by side, above and below, left eye, right eye, or 3d variants like checkerboard, anaglyph.
6. Avid Unity - The best networking/media solution out there for editors. FCP is now approved for use on it too. Multiple editors working on a single project, multiple bays using the same media to accelerate workflow.
7. Color correction in the system. FCP requires Color or another application for advanced color work, Avid's is built right inside.
8. Bins and Project are separate in Avid. If there is a problem with any corruption, each bin is backed up separate from the project. In FCP, all materials are a part of one file. Loose this and the whole edit breaks down.
9. Total Synergy through Post, Audio, and VFX - Avid encompasses Media Composer, Digidesign (Protools), M-Audio, Pinnacle, and Sibellius. In a nutshell, your EDLs work with almost every major editing system in the world, perfectly. That is if you don't want to finish on a Symphony Nitris or DS (though many users finish broadcast quality in HD right from a laptop). Your OMFs transfer to Protools for audio mixing easily since it's the same company. It makes sense.
10. Avid is for editors, by editors. The top films and television shows have been edited on Avid. Everything from Star Trek, to Transformers, to Academy Award Winners like Slumdog Millionaire. They say editors mature like fine wine. If that's the case, hiring people with lots of experience will only make your project better, and most of those folks use Avid.
